Figures reveal asbestos’s deadly legacy

Figures reveal asbestos’s deadly legacy

Six people die of mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos every day in England and Wales, new figures have revealed.

According to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the number of deaths from mesothelioma has rocketed by nearly a third in the past ten years, with the figure expected to peak in 2018.

Asbestos’s deadly legacy has brought tragedy and torment to thousands of families, particularly here in Suffolk, where the effect of exposure to the material continues to be felt.

This is especially so for those who worked in the county’s industrial hubs, including the Cliff Quay Power Station, Ipswich Sugar Beet factory and Cranes, to name just three.

APIL President Neil Sugarman said: “Areas most affected by a high rate of deaths from mesothelioma are no doubt seeing the effects of past industry where workers were negligently exposed to asbestos.

“This is despite the risks being well-known since as far back as the 1950s. People went to work and came home with a needless death sentence.”

Gotelee is a member of APIL, a national not-for-profit group which campaigns for redress for sick and dying workers.

Mesothelioma is a lung cancer exclusively linked to exposure to asbestos, which often takes place many years before the disease emerges. It is always fatal, often within 18 months of diagnosis.

“The suffering of families affected by mesothelioma demonstrates how important it is that lessons are learned and health and safety in the workplace is respected,” said Mr Sugarman.

“As the effects of more robust regulation of the use of asbestos and better safety practices come to fruition, the number of needless deaths should start to decline.”

“Construction workers and associated tradesmen are a high-risk group for asbestos exposure, as are shipbuilders. Even teachers are at risk as asbestos was used so widely when building schools. Nineteen teachers are dying from mesothelioma each year.

“It’s a national tragedy.”

How can our personal injury solicitors help?

Our expert team of Suffolk personal injury lawyers have a wealth of experience in claims of this kind, acting for both the person exposed to asbestos and their families.

We understand the emotional trauma involved and pride ourselves on treating our clients with care and sensitivity.

If you or a member of your family has suffered an asbestos-related illness or if you have lost a loved one to the disease, you may be able to make a claim for compensation and claim state benefits.

14/02/2018

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